The Hulu app is on the verge of discontinuation, and you may soon find its content library available on Disney+.
Hulu might be on the path to the streaming graveyard
The Hulu app may not be inoperative just yet. However, Disney seems to be taking steps to encourage less usage of it. Disney's streaming technology teams are engaged in a multi-phase initiative called Project Gemini, which aims to integrate more of Hulu’s offerings into Disney+.
According to reports, the goal of this unified experience is expected to be achieved by the end of the year, as indicated by a leaked internal document and testimonials from two streaming employees. Nonetheless, Disney informed Business Insider that there are "no current plans to phase out" the standalone Hulu app.
This isn't the first instance of such news, and it appears to be just a matter of time now.
How Hulu is becoming more intertwined with Disney+
Disney has been gradually merging Hulu into Disney+ for some time. In 2023, the company introduced Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers, enabling them to access Hulu’s library within a specific Hulu hub inside the Disney+ app. At that time, Disney stated that this integration aimed to create a more cohesive viewing experience and enhance user engagement.
This seems to be the next step in that integration process. Earlier this month, the company announced that select Hulu subscribers could link their profiles to Disney+, transferring watch history, watchlists, and recommendations. Disney noted that eligible Hulu subscribers can log in to Disney+ using the same MyDisney credentials to stream Hulu content there at no additional cost, while standalone Hulu access remains available for the time being.
Why the Hulu app appears to be unnecessary now
The internal document reportedly indicates that the Hulu tech infrastructure and app will be retired after users transition to Disney+. Three senior Disney tech employees also shared with the publication that resources are being reallocated from Hulu and that significant new features are no longer being added to the standalone app.
One seasoned Hulu product employee mentioned to Business Insider that Hulu is on "life support" with no ongoing development, while another software engineer stated that maintaining two separate systems no longer seems sensible. Therefore, we can anticipate that Hulu features will gradually start to appear on Disney+ as the company slowly phases out the standalone Hulu app.
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The Hulu app is on the verge of discontinuation, and you may soon find its content library available on Disney+.
Disney is said to be aiming to render the standalone Hulu app unnecessary by transferring more of Hulu's content, user profiles, viewing history, Live TV capabilities, and DVR features into Disney+.